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Trains in Japan: Info, Map and Tickets Online

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Schedule & Ticket Prices for top routes in Japan

19Jun
1
Seats
Tokyo
Kyoto

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

06:00
TokyoTokyo Station
2h 8m
08:08
KyotoKyoto Station
Direct
Nozomi 1
from
10492 USD
1
2h 8m, Direct
06:00
TokyoTokyo Station
08:08
KyotoKyoto Station
from
10492 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
06:15
TokyoTokyo Station
2h 9m
08:24
KyotoKyoto Station
Direct
Nozomi 3
from
10492 USD
1
2h 9m, Direct
06:15
TokyoTokyo Station
08:24
KyotoKyoto Station
from
10492 USD
1
Direct
High-speed

Day trains

12:00
TokyoTokyo Station
2h 15m
14:15
KyotoKyoto Station
Direct
Nozomi 257
from
10492 USD
1
2h 15m, Direct
12:00
TokyoTokyo Station
14:15
KyotoKyoto Station
from
10492 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
12:03
TokyoTokyo Station
2h 34m
14:37
KyotoKyoto Station
Direct
Hikari 711
from
10492 USD
1
2h 34m, Direct
12:03
TokyoTokyo Station
14:37
KyotoKyoto Station
from
10492 USD
1
Direct

Evening trains

18:00
TokyoTokyo Station
2h 15m
20:15
KyotoKyoto Station
Direct
Nozomi 207
from
10492 USD
1
2h 15m, Direct
18:00
TokyoTokyo Station
20:15
KyotoKyoto Station
from
10492 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
18:03
TokyoTokyo Station
2h 51m
20:54
KyotoKyoto Station
Direct
Hikari 655
from
10492 USD
1
2h 51m, Direct
18:03
TokyoTokyo Station
20:54
KyotoKyoto Station
from
10492 USD
1
Direct
Route image
day

First train

06:00
night

Last train

21:24
distance

Travel duration

2h 21m
daily-departure

Daily departures

101
departure-station

Departure station

Tokyo
changes-type

Changes

direct
arrival-station

Arrival station

Kyoto
ticket-price

Ticket price

from $84
fastest-s

Fastest trip

2h 7m
longest-s

Longest trip

3h 37m

Your Complete Guide to Shinkansen Train Travel in Japan

Japan's rail network is led by the JR Group, including JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu, JR Shikoku, and JR Hokkaido. The Tokaido Shinkansen is the core intercity route, carrying passengers between Tokyo, Shinagawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka in large numbers every day. Nozomi trains cover Tokyo to Shin-Osaka in about 2 hours 22 minutes, while Hikari and Kodama services add more stops. Other Shinkansen routes reach Kanazawa, Niigata, Sendai, Aomori, Hakata, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima-Chuo. Private railways also matter in Japan, especially around Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Kintetsu links Osaka-Namba, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, and Ise-Shima with limited express trains. Odakyu runs Romancecar services from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in about 80 minutes. Tobu Railway links Asakusa with Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. Airport rail is part of daily travel too, with Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, Tokyo Monorail, and the Kansai Airport Limited Express Haruka serving major terminals.

How to Buy Train Tickets in Japan

Booking Shinkansen tickets gives you fast, direct access to Japan’s most visited cities and attractions. Whether you want to experience Tokyo’s city life, Kyoto’s temples, or Osaka’s food scene, you can reserve your bullet train seat online for every major route.

1
Book Shinkansen and JR Tickets
Search Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, and Hakata routes, then book available Shinkansen and JR limited express tickets.
2
Pay Online for Japan Routes
Use major credit and debit cards or supported digital payment methods to complete payment for selected Japan train tickets.
3
Book Busy Routes Early
Reserved seats often open about 1 month before departure. Golden Week, Obon, and New Year trains sell fastest.
4
24/7 Multilingual Support
Rail Monsters provides real human help in English and other languages for Japan bookings, changes, refunds, and route questions.
5
Domestic Rail Coverage
Find tickets on main domestic routes, including Shinkansen corridors and limited express services to regional cities and resort areas.
6
Digital Ticket Confirmation
Receive booking details by email after purchase. Some Japan tickets require station collection or exchange before boarding.
1
Book Shinkansen and JR Tickets
Search Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, and Hakata routes, then book available Shinkansen and JR limited express tickets.
2
Pay Online for Japan Routes
Use major credit and debit cards or supported digital payment methods to complete payment for selected Japan train tickets.
3
Book Busy Routes Early
Reserved seats often open about 1 month before departure. Golden Week, Obon, and New Year trains sell fastest.
4
24/7 Multilingual Support
Rail Monsters provides real human help in English and other languages for Japan bookings, changes, refunds, and route questions.
5
Domestic Rail Coverage
Find tickets on main domestic routes, including Shinkansen corridors and limited express services to regional cities and resort areas.
6
Digital Ticket Confirmation
Receive booking details by email after purchase. Some Japan tickets require station collection or exchange before boarding.

Japan Railway Network Map

Japan's rail map follows the main island chain from Hokkaido to Kyushu. The Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen form a continuous high-speed spine from Tokyo to Kagoshima-Chuo via Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata, and Kumamoto. The Tohoku Shinkansen runs north from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori, with branches to Akita and Yamagata. Hokuriku Shinkansen links Tokyo, Nagano, Toyama, Kanazawa, and Tsuruga.

Japan Shinkansen trains Classes and Tickets Information

Gran Class
from
$6083
Gran Class
Green Car
from
$3112
Green Car
Non-reserved
from
$1027
Non-reserved
Ordinary Car
from
$2386
Ordinary Car

How to buy Shinkansen train tickets in Japan

On Rail Monsters, search Japan routes by origin, destination, and date. Compare available Shinkansen options by time and price. Choose reserved or non-reserved seating where offered, and select Ordinary Class, Green Car, or Gran Class when available. Complete payment online and check the ticket instructions sent by email. Many Japan bookings use digital confirmation, but some tickets require pickup, exchange, or use of a QR code at a designated station machine or counter.

How to buy train tickets in Japan

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Ticket office on station

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Rail Monsters mobile app

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Rail Monsters website

Practical Information for Japan trains travelers

Practical Information for Asama Travelers

Luggage icon
Luggage Guidelines on Asama Trains. When embarking on a journey with the Asama Shinkansen, convenience is key, especially regarding luggage management. Here’s what you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Luggage Allowance
On the Asama, passengers can take up to two pieces of luggage, with each piece not exceeding 250 cm in total dimensions (width + height + depth) and a weight limit of 30 kg per item. This generous allowance means you can pack everything you’ll need for your trip without worries.
Storage Facilities
Asama trains are outfitted with ample overhead compartments for smaller bags and dedicated luggage areas located at the end of each carriage. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to keep your luggage secure and easily accessible during your journey.
Special Items
For those traveling with oversized items such as bicycles, skis, or larger sports gear, it's important to plan ahead. While the Asama does allow these items under certain conditions, availability for such luggage can be limited, so arriving early is recommended to ensure a suitable spot.

Payment Information

Rail Monsters accepts major credit and debit cards plus supported online payment methods for Japan train tickets. Prices may display in your selected currency, with Japanese yen used as the underlying rail fare on many routes. After payment, Rail Monsters sends tickets with QR by email and in the mobile apps. For Shinkansen routes such as Tokyo to Kyoto or Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima, review the collection or boarding details before travel. Bring the same passenger names and any required ID if the ticket instructions request it.

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Average rating & reviews

4.7
starstarstarstarstar
Among mobile stores and search platforms
4.7
starstarstarstarstar
Among mobile stores and search platforms
Easy purchase and process
We went from Tokyo station to Hiroshima for the first time. We bought our tickets online, printed the tickets and had no issues. Great experience
avatarDenise Harston
Thank you very much for your support
Even with very short time frame you suceeded to change our tickets. We are very gratefull. You are the best.
avatarMitja Bostner
Thank you, David!
Could not thank David from Rail Monsters enough, i made a couple of errors in my booking for japan and he fixed them asap with no hassle, customer service A1
avatarAlan
Local Guide
Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.
avatarMarius-Adrian Nicoara
Very kind and helpful staff
Very kind and helpful staff who were very diligent and thorough in helping secure tickets for a sold out train. Thank you so much!
avatarAllison Makhoul

FAQ and Facts About Trains in Japan

Who operates trains in Japan?

Japan's main passenger rail network is operated by the JR Group: JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu, JR Shikoku, and JR Hokkaido. JR Central runs the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, while JR West operates the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata. JR East covers Tokyo, Sendai, Niigata, and much of northern Honshu. Private railways such as Kintetsu, Tobu, Odakyu, Keisei, and Nankai operate important intercity, airport, and regional routes.

How do I book Japan train tickets through Rail Monsters?

Enter your origin, destination, and travel date on Rail Monsters, then compare available Japan train options by departure time, travel time, and class. Choose a Shinkansen, JR limited express, or supported private railway service where available. Select ordinary or Green Car seats when offered, then pay online. Booking details arrive by email after purchase. Some Japan routes use electronic tickets, while others require station pickup or exchange before boarding.

Are trains in Japan reliable?

Japanese trains are known for strict timetable operation, especially on the Shinkansen network. JR Central's Tokaido Shinkansen runs between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka with very frequent departures, often only a few minutes apart during busy periods. Weather can still affect service, particularly typhoons, heavy snow in northern regions, and earthquakes. Major stations such as Tokyo Station, Kyoto Station, and Shin-Osaka Station display live platform and delay information in English and Japanese.

How long is the train from Tokyo to Kyoto?

The fastest Nozomi Shinkansen trains run from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station in about 2 hours 15 minutes. Hikari services usually take around 2 hours 40 minutes, and Kodama trains take close to 3 hours 40 minutes because they stop more often. The route uses the Tokaido Shinkansen, operated by JR Central. Trains also stop at Shinagawa and Nagoya on many departures, giving several boarding options in the Tokyo area.

What ticket classes are available on Shinkansen trains?

Most Shinkansen trains offer Ordinary Class with reserved and non-reserved seating, plus Green Car first-class seating on many routes. Some services, including selected Tohoku, Hokkaido, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen trains, also offer Gran Class. Japan has several rail passes, including the Japan Rail Pass sold through official JR channels; Rail Monsters sells individual train tickets, not passes. Individual tickets work well for fixed routes such as Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka to Hiroshima, or Tokyo to Kanazawa.

Why take the train instead of flying or driving in Japan?

Japan's main rail stations sit in city centers, so the Shinkansen often beats flying on door-to-door time. Tokyo to Osaka takes about 2 hours 22 minutes by Nozomi from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station. A flight is shorter in the air, but access to Haneda or Itami, security, boarding, and baggage time add up. Rail also avoids expressway tolls and parking costs on routes such as Tokyo to Nagoya or Kyoto to Hiroshima.

Can I reach Mount Fuji by train in Japan?

Yes. The Fuji Excursion limited express links Shinjuku Station with Kawaguchiko Station near Mount Fuji in about 1 hour 50 minutes on selected direct services. Another common route uses the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Otsuki, then the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko. From the Tokaido Shinkansen, Shin-Fuji Station also serves the southern side of Mount Fuji, with local bus connections to nearby viewing areas and trail access points.

Why should I book Japan train tickets in advance?

Advance booking matters on Japan's busiest dates and routes. Reserved seats on JR trains usually open about 1 month before departure, and popular Shinkansen services fill quickly during Golden Week, Obon in August, and the New Year holiday period. Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Shin-Osaka, Osaka to Hiroshima, and Tokyo to Kanazawa see high demand. Booking early gives more choice of departure time, seat class, and adjacent seats for groups.
Learn more information at our
Country Guide

JR East

JR East

JR East operates passenger trains across eastern Japan.

JR West

JR West

JR West operates passenger trains across western Japan.